Different types of natural hazards

Different types of natural hazards

What is a flood

A simple definition of flooding is water where it is not wanted. Another, more comprehensive definition of a flood is:

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from overflow of inland or tidal waters from the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

Floods can destroy buildings, soil and crops with ease.

What is a Bushfire

A bushfire is a fire that burns in grass, bush or woodland and can threaten life. They are caused by dry grass and hot conditions

Drought

A drought is a big deficiency in precipitation resulting in loss of crops of life due to low amounts of water .

Drought areas tend to be warmer than normal. One is that the lack of rain-producing clouds allows more sunshine than normal. The other is that the dry ground and parched vegetation result in little evaporation.

Storms

A storm is a distrubed state of atmosphere which releases high amounts of energy which is callled lightning. Storms also brings forth heavy amounts of rain, hail and thunder.

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones are forced winds that travel up to 63/km per hour and are made in low pressure system in the tropics

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are the vibrations caused by rocks breaking under stress. The underground surface along which the rock breaks and moves is called a fault plane.

Earthquakes in Australia are usually caused by movements along faults as a result of compression in the Earth’s crust.